new suzukis ??

[heinzrx]

Anybody seen these yet?

http://www.media.suzuki.com/mc/

The 650 looks nice and I love the blue 'busa.

I just don't get the B-King.

Heinz

[Brad1445]

Wow, GREAT face lift on the Busa

[katrider]

Maybe I couldn't get the site to work right, but I didn't see any Bandit, and no GSXRs at all

[gritsngravy]

I think they were just showing the new for '08 bikes.......not their entire line up.     Busa looks nice and that new gsx650 looks like affordable fun.   That b-king is insane looking and it sounds like it's busa powered.   Suzuki's really coming on strong.  

[Ant]

I think they were just showing the new for '08 bikes.......not their entire line up.     Busa looks nice and that new gsx650 looks like affordable fun.   That b-king is insane looking and it sounds like it's busa powered.   Suzuki's really coming on strong.  

The Hayabusa looks puuuurdy and B-King looks funky but damn cool. I'd buy one   Not sure how well what is essentially a naked hayabusa will act though, that kinda speed with no fairing?!  

[ks-waterbug]

I agree Hayabusa is looking good... Cept for that ugly rear end. B-King is not my cup of tea, but I'm trying not to make my final impression before I actually sit on one.

[Ranger01]

Interesting 650 cross, kind of looks like the Ninja 650r.

The B-king looks like a V-Max knock off.

[FlowBee]

Funky styling on the Burger-King.  I wonder if this:



...turns into this ...



 

[Rincewind]

I'm gonna think of Burger King everytime I read about the B-King now.  Thanks Flowbee!  

I'm sure the bike hauls ass, but that cat's-eye exhaust is just plain ugly.    

[bpg]

Busa finally looks decent from the front... and even MORE hideous from the rear...

Which isn't fair, because most will be looking at the damn rear all the time!

[nanbil]

I like the overall look of the B-King, but the exhaust system has to go...

[Rincewind]

I thought Suzuki would update the V-strom for 08...   it's getting a little long in tooth.  

Guess not.  

[garry]

I thought Suzuki would update the V-strom for 08...   it's getting a little long in tooth.  

This is only a partial release of 2008 info. Probably more news of BNG to come as well as the 600/750 GSXR updates and lord knows what else. Kinda unusual to release new/updated model info this early.

[UFO]

I bet all the Hayabusa boards are have a big circle jerk today. They've waited a long time for this.

[JETSET]

I like it!No confrimation from the War Dept.

[UFO]

 C'mon, start the damn thing up and ride it around for us at least.

[Rincewind]

 C'mon, start the damn thing up and ride it around for us at least.

Here it is at the IOM parade lap...



and here's some poorly shot video of it in slo-motion



just not a lot of good video out of the Burger King, yet...  

[Rincewind]

This is only a partial release of 2008 info. Probably more news of BNG to come as well as the 600/750 GSXR updates and lord knows what else. Kinda unusual to release new/updated model info this early.

Yeah, perhaps there's still hope for a V-strom update...  

Seems like a lot of manufacturer's are releasing their new model info earlier and earlier...  

[Leanintree]

I can't believe you guys haven't commented on the GSX650 (other than to compare it to the Ninja and SV's). This thing seems to me to herald a long awaited update to the Katana's that isn't just BNG and a different flavor of Jellybean skin. Borrows from the 650 Bandit I assume, but the big deal is the oddball kanatuna skin is gone (along with the moniker it would seem).


They're gonna sell a boatload of these, I predict. Inline 4 and cheap (without looking like a clay sculpture too long in the sun). Beginner bike HO!!!

Leanintree

[keystonejenks]

I can't believe you guys haven't commented on the GSX650 (other than to compare it to the Ninja and SV's). This thing seems to me to herald a long awaited update to the Katana's that isn't just BNG and a different flavor of Jellybean skin. Borrows from the 650 Bandit I assume, but the big deal is the oddball kanatuna skin is gone (along with the moniker it would seem).


They're gonna sell a boatload of these, I predict. Inline 4 and cheap (without looking like a clay sculpture too long in the sun). Beginner bike HO!!!

Leanintree

I was about to post the exact same thing. This looks like a great touring bike too!

[Jake Harsha]

I like the new look of the 'Busa...  



Not too crazy about Lucille tho.  
Jake

[Squareman357]

I can't believe you guys haven't commented on the GSX650 (other than to compare it to the Ninja and SV's). This thing seems to me to herald a long awaited update to the Katana's that isn't just BNG and a different flavor of Jellybean skin. Borrows from the 650 Bandit I assume, but the big deal is the oddball kanatuna skin is gone (along with the moniker it would seem).


They're gonna sell a boatload of these, I predict. Inline 4 and cheap (without looking like a clay sculpture too long in the sun). Beginner bike HO!!!

Leanintree

That's what I was thinking too, and had to read the whole post before I posted it LOL!  Essentially the Katana is back in a new flavor.  Interesting, an inline 4 with 650 cc's.  Wonder if they'll bump that displacement up and offer it in a 750 flavor too.  They SHOULD bring back the Katana name though...wonder what they are going to call it...

[mcoyote]

If I'm not mistaken, they've bumped the displacement of the 'Busa about 50cc -- used to be 1298cc (at least...I thought *mine* was...)? As for the ass end, remember the hump is removable. The back seat makes it look a bit more sane, and with a tail rack it's even not bad .

[Sarchi]

Love the new Busa, at least that pic.  Looks comfy and as friendly to the vert challenged as ever.  I think the old Busa was also a much better-looking bike than it appeared to be from most pics, at least the blue/silver and red/silver ones.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/27june07_new2008suzukis.htm

[mcoyote]

If I'm not mistaken, they've bumped the displacement of the 'Busa about 50cc -- used to be 1298cc (at least...I thought *mine* was...)? As for the ass end, remember the hump is removable. The back seat makes it look a bit more sane, and with a tail rack it's even not bad .

Oh, wow...wasn't paying attention -- those are radial brakes. Cool. A little displacement bump, probably some FI changes (not really a biggie), and better brakes. Not shabby, and the dark blue and black are very nice.

ED: Ohh, how 'bout that interweb, here's the actual list of improvments -- pretty nice: http://www.media.suzuki.com/mc/features.php?modelid=10&dir=hb1300&catid=1071&model=GSX1300RK8&model_year=08

[Sarchi]

Very nice list indeed.

42cc displacement bump (11% more peak power)
'S-DMS' 3-map settings
new EFI system
radial brakes
full instruments incl a fuel guage
aluminum pistons
composite plated cylinders
new connecting rods & hydraulic cam chain tensioner
new lighting
BT-015's
...etc

oops: Slipper clutch, too!

[Mac]

Very nice list indeed.

42cc displacement bump (11% more peak power)
'S-DMS' 3-map settings
new EFI system
radial brakes
full instruments incl a fuel guage
aluminum pistons
composite plated cylinders
new connecting rods & hydraulic cam chain tensioner
new lighting
BT-015's
...etc

AND, be still my heart, BNG!!!

[Rincewind]

I can't believe you guys haven't commented on the GSX650 (other than to compare it to the Ninja and SV's). This thing seems to me to herald a long awaited update to the Katana's that isn't just BNG and a different flavor of Jellybean skin. Borrows from the 650 Bandit I assume, but the big deal is the oddball kanatuna skin is gone (along with the moniker it would seem).


They're gonna sell a boatload of these, I predict. Inline 4 and cheap (without looking like a clay sculpture too long in the sun). Beginner bike HO!!!

Leanintree

I dunno, I took one look at that and thought it was the GS500F.  It would have been nicer, if they would have used a new fairing style to distinguish it.  Though now that I look at the two fairings, I guess there are significant differences...  

Pic of GS500F for comparison.

[Lon]

I can't believe you guys haven't commented on the GSX650 (other than to compare it to the Ninja and SV's). This thing seems to me to herald a long awaited update to the Katana's that isn't just BNG and a different flavor of Jellybean skin. Borrows from the 650 Bandit I assume, but the big deal is the oddball kanatuna skin is gone (along with the moniker it would seem).

Actually, it looks like a fully faired bandit 650.

[Cale_Kat]

Actually, it looks like a fully faired bandit 650.

I'm pretty sure that's exactly what it is. I like it but hoping for optional ABS. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2007/June/june25-jul2/jun2807fullyfairedsuzukibanditgsx650frevealed/

[Mach VIII]

Ooooooh, me LIKEY the B-King big time!!!  Been waiting and hoping they'd actually produce this bike and sell it here.  I'm not in love with the big trumpets on the rear either, but the rest of the bike look quite deliciously eviiiil.    I cannot WAIT to see one of these in person and sit on one.  While I realize that a half or fullfaired SPORT-Tourer better fits my needs (something like the new Sprint ST), I can't help but be strongly drawn to a bike like this.

'Busa.  [sigh]  Still ugly, even after the update.  A shame really.  A great bike though, I'm sure.

[pearsonm]

I also mistook the GSX for the GS. To me it looks like a waste of time and money that could have been better spent bumping the SV to 750 cc’s, making the suspension fully adjustable and side fairings standard. The new Gixxers should be interesting.

[mcoyote]

You'll note that the rest of the '08 product line appears to have shown up at some point today . Best check the link again.

[dark_isz]

You'll note that the rest of the '08 product line appears to have shown up at some point today . Best check the link again.

Nope, that's the '07 line. I guess the '08 info wasn't supposed to be out, yet...

[mcoyote]

Nope, that's the '07 line. I guess the '08 info wasn't supposed to be out, yet...

Oops, I took off the "08" predicate in the link by accident. My bad, was looking at the '07 stuff.

[dark_isz]

Oops, I took off the "08" predicate in the link by accident. My bad, was looking at the '07 stuff.

Oh, that's what happened, thanks!

So...why does the gsx650f weigh 475lbs?  

[RideAboutNow]

Actually, it looks like a fully faired bandit 650.

I'd have to agree on this one. Looks like a good simple street bike. I like it.

Take a look at the tank, frame, and seat of each bike. Pretty much the same bike, but with a nice fairing grafted on the nose of the GSX650F.

[Cale_Kat]

So...why does the gsx650f weigh 475lbs?  

Because it is economical to build it on a steel frame and the buyers find that extra weight adds stability on the highway so they don't mind it. I'm not going to defend this bike for its potential at the track or how fast it accelerates in a straight line. But I, for one, am more interested in its long distance comfort and the modern engine design. I really think it has the right features for a large percentage of riders. Boring, maybe. Sensible and priced to sell, most definitely.

[gritsngravy]

Because it is economical to build it on a steel frame and the buyers find that extra weight adds stability on the highway so they don't mind it. I'm not going to defend this bike for its potential at the track or how fast it accelerates in a straight line. But I, for one, am more interested in its long distance comfort and the modern engine design. I really think it has the right features for a large percentage of riders. Boring, maybe. Sensible and priced to sell, most definitely.

I agree, the bike is perfect as is.   For goodness sake if light weight is an issue than get a gsxr6, or sv, or dr 650 or the 400cc motard.   I enjoy light hi tech bikes as much as the next guy so I actually went out and bought one but it's good to see a nice standard bike available here in the states.  

[dark_isz]

I agree, the bike is perfect as is.   For goodness sake if light weight is an issue than get a gsxr6, or sv, or dr 650 or the 400cc motard.   I enjoy light hi tech bikes as much as the next guy so I actually went out and bought one but it's good to see a nice standard bike available here in the states.  

Compare it to the Ninja 650, that has a steel frame and weighs 393lbs. Or compare it to the fz-6, which only weighs 410lbs. The yzf600r is only 417lbs. The SV 650 is 372lbs. Even my 1983 Nighthawk 650, with a steel frame and shaft drive, only weighs 435lbs.

Even though I like the new gsx650f, being short & skinny, there's no way I could buy it knowing I could save a couple hundred $ and 50-100lbs by buying any other modern bike in the same class.  

[VAX]

Compare it to the Ninja 650, that has a steel frame and weighs 393lbs. Or compare it to the fz-6, which only weighs 410lbs. The yzf600r is only 417lbs. The SV 650 is 372lbs. Even my 1983 Nighthawk 650, with a steel frame and shaft drive, only weighs 435lbs.

Even though I like the new gsx650f, being short & skinny, there's no way I could buy it knowing I could save a couple hundred $ and 50-100lbs by buying any other modern bike in the same class.  

It may be a good bike or it may be a bad bike but either way, you can't ride a spec sheet.

[Mach VIII]

I'd have to agree on this one. Looks like a good simple street bike. I like it.

Take a look at the tank, frame, and seat of each bike. Pretty much the same bike, but with a nice fairing grafted on the nose of the GSX650F.

Yes, it really does look remarkably like the Bandit.  I do notice a couple of mechanical differences though, in particular the clutch cover (and apparently the size of the basket???) is different, as is the placement of the rear caliper.  Don't know what to make of that, but just something I observed.

[Cale_Kat]

Compare it to the Ninja 650, that has a steel frame and weighs 393lbs. Or compare it to the fz-6, which only weighs 410lbs. The yzf600r is only 417lbs. The SV 650 is 372lbs. Even my 1983 Nighthawk 650, with a steel frame and shaft drive, only weighs 435lbs.

Even though I like the new gsx650f, being short & skinny, there's no way I could buy it knowing I could save a couple hundred $ and 50-100lbs by buying any other modern bike in the same class.  

I'll bet it will garner the same love-hate reaction from the non-owners and the press as the previous model Katana. The last Katana ranked 38th in Bike Magazine's top 100 bikes of all time, according to a reader survey of over 10,000 entries (although, to be fair, it was the only bike that made both the 100 best list and the 10 worst bike list in the same issue).

But I'm with VAX. There's so much more to a bike than the spec sheet.

[gritsngravy]

Compare it to the Ninja 650, that has a steel frame and weighs 393lbs. Or compare it to the fz-6, which only weighs 410lbs. The yzf600r is only 417lbs. The SV 650 is 372lbs. Even my 1983 Nighthawk 650, with a steel frame and shaft drive, only weighs 435lbs.

Even though I like the new gsx650f, being short & skinny, there's no way I could buy it knowing I could save a couple hundred $ and 50-100lbs by buying any other modern bike in the same class.  

Sounds like you need to hold on to that 24 year old nighthawk.   The sv,yzf & ninja are lighter for a reason, they are physically smaller bikes that larger folks may not find to comfortable.   A lightweight mini me bike is not for everyone, some folks just want a roomy good solid affordable bike with a modern touch like  FI, liquid cooling, stylish body work, real handlebar etc.    I enjoy sporty bikes myself but there is more than enough room in the market for a bike that will appeal to larger riders.        

[Dichotomous]

and some people just dont care if its lighter or not.  if it rides fine and smooth and goes forward with enough aplomb then it doesnt need to be the latest and greatest, especially if its cheeper.  I see these selling well.

[RideAboutNow]

and some people just dont care if its lighter or not.  if it rides fine and smooth and goes forward with enough aplomb then it doesnt need to be the latest and greatest, especially if its cheeper.  I see these selling well.

Right on!  

[ToadRide]

Don't like the big angular can on the 1000 Gixer but they have tucked it in and under nicely on the 750 and 600.  And where are the Bandits? No Bandits in the States again?

[JReazor]

No Bandits in the States again?

We didn't get the Bandit in 06 but the new redesigned 1200 got here in 07. This month's MCN has a review on the 08. I haven't read it yet but it looks to be unchanged from 07.

[UPSMAN]

I know a lot of you like the New GSX650F but Im sorry to say that this bike is replacing the SV650, I heard it from my local Suzuki DM and as of the dealer show last month the SV is no more.  

[Mach VIII]

I know a lot of you like the New GSX650F but Im sorry to say that this bike is replacing the SV650, I heard it from my local Suzuki DM and as of the dealer show last month the SV is no more.  

Frankly, I find that very tough to believe.  I think your dealer is full of shit.  They sell a ton of those bikes and they consistently get rave reviews.  What's more, naked bikes are all the rage, so this claim doesn't even make sense.

[UPSMAN]

It wasnt the dealer it was a Suzuki district manager.

[UPSMAN]

And then I find this,
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=4949&Page=1

So it looks like the DM doesnt know Jack Sh!t!!!

[Dakota]

The Suzuki I want to see is the naked super standard GSX1400.  

[JReazor]

The Suzuki I want to see is the naked super standard GSX1400.

I'd like to see just the opposite. A fully faired sportbike complete with clip-ons and rear sets built around their 400cc thumper.

[RideAboutNow]

I'd like to see just the opposite. A fully faired sportbike complete with clip-ons and rear sets built around their 400cc thumper.

Oh hell Yeah! Light is right! (as long as it has at least six speed tranny)

[highside]

I'm trying to figure out what the GSX650 offers that the SV doesnt do better. Seems silly to realease a bike into a class that will only result in competing with yourself.

[gritsngravy]

I'm trying to figure out what the GSX650 offers that the SV doesnt do better. Seems silly to realease a bike into a class that will only result in competing with yourself.

Two very different bikes.  Let me help you with the differences, the gsx has a larger, heavier frame and a full fairing that  will be more comfortable on longer rides.   4 cyl vs 2......some folks like the sound, power and smoothness of the four vs the lumpy twin.   Looks are subjective but the gsx looks more finished than either naked/faired sv, it looks like a real high $$ sport bike to all but fairly hard core motorcyclists.   I just don't see why anyone would resist another affordable alternative in this era of 10k ss 600 bikes.    I love suzukis line of 600's ....dr 650, dl 650,  s50, c50, m50, sv650, gsx 650, gsxr 600 and even a 600 scooter.   Time was everyone would bitch about no nice small/middleweight bikes being imported to the usa.........RINGADING they're heeeeere.

[garry]

I'm trying to figure out what the GSX650 offers that the SV doesnt do better. Seems silly to realease a bike into a class that will only result in competing with yourself.

The GSX looks like a sportbike. The SV just looks cheap IMO (despite it being a cool bike). Does seem a little odd to compete with yourself though. Then again Yamaha offers no less than 4 600cc sporty/sport offerings: FZ6, YZF, R6 "S" (2004 model) and the full-bore R6.

[Bryan]

The Suzuki I want to see is the naked super standard GSX1400.  

Right on, and the CB1300